Youth Leaders
ARISE's Youth Leaders are a cohort of stipend youth who meet throughout the year to support their development, relationships, and work as community organizers.
What do arise
Youth Leaders do?
As an ARISE Youth Leader, you will participate in a range of learning opportunities including:
political education trainings, where you will develop your knowledge of systems of power, yourself, your community, and justice work
school visits and youth organizing conferences, where you will build power with youth organizers across the country
workshops with local community organizers, where you will develop leadership, advocacy, and organizing skills
participating in and organizing community workshops, gatherings, and political actions with other youth organizers across the city
campaign work to build youth power across the city and fight for educational justice in our public schools
Youth Leaders are expected to participate in an application and orientation process; commit 4-6 hours a week to the program; lead ARISE work within our programs and our larger organization; build relationships with the Youth Leader cohort, other youth organizers, and classmates; share knowledge, skills, and opportunities for leadership with other youth outside of ARISE programs; recruit youth to ARISE programs; and invest in social justice work.
Our current cohort is working in coalition with youth organizers at Providence Youth Student Movement to launch a campaign for educational justice in the Providence Public School District.
Current Youth Leaders
Abby Lee
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | abby@ariseducation.org
Hello, my name is Abby Lee, I go to the Moses Brown School, and I am a youth leader in ARISE. I joined ARISE in 2020 because I wanted to meet new people and learn more about the history, culture, civics, and more that I don’t get taught in school. I hope to share what I learn with my peers, and use it to better my communities on all different levels. In my free time, I like to run, play basketball, and play piano; I love trying new things, and want to make a difference in my community as a Korean-American woman and student of color.
Ajin Kes
Youth Leader | he/him/his | ajin@ariseducation.org
My name is Ajin Kes, I joined ARISE to learn about other people and their ethnicity and maybe even see some people like me. I also wanted to re-enhance my speech and social skills which it did. I am known to be competitive, I enjoy facts about WWII and games, and anything else I could relate to like food.
Amy
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | akyla@ariseducation.org
My name is Amy (if you didn’t notice). I’m a Hmong American who’s currently going to Paul Cuffee High School as a sophomore. As for hobbies, I enjoy watching shows and playing rhythm games whenever I can or have the time to. I don’t really have an idea on what I’m doing in the future, but I’ll do my best in school until I figure it out! I look forward to meeting new people in ARISE and learning their stories.”
Armani
Youth Leader | he/him/his | armani@ariseducation.org
Hello, my name is Armani, my pronouns are he/him, I go to PCTA, and I am a youth leader in ARISE. I joined ARISE because I was a part of their ethnic studies summer program and liked it. I am excited to see how much I learn being a part of this program. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball and making money.
Gabrielle Oulette
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | gabrielle@ariseducation.org
Hey my name is Gabrielle, also known as Gabby, and I use she/her/hers pronouns. I identify as a Chinese-American adoptee and currently attend Blackstone Academy Charter School. As an ARISE youth leader, I joined ARISE in order to seek change within myself and the world around me. In school I am involved in academic redesign and youth empowerment. Additionally, I have a passion for advocacy involving transracial adoption, health inequalities, LGBTQIA+ justice and stopping Anti-Asian hate. I am rooted in ambition, kindness and growth.
Gohan vang
Youth Leader | he/him/his | gohan@ariseducation.org
Hello my name is Gohan Vang. I go to Pilgrim High School. I am a youth leader in ARISE. I joined ARISE because I hope to understand other people better. Some of my hobbies include reading and playing video games.
Jasmin
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | jasmin@ariseducation.org
Hello my name is Jasmin , my pronouns are she/her/hers, I go to Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center. I am a youth leader in ARISE. I joined ARISE because I wanted to be more involved and educated in social and educational justice. I hope to be able to participate in community workshops that are held with other youth leaders across the city, be apart of youth organizing conferences, and engage in campaign work. I also this strengthens my communication skills and leadership skills. I love to write essays that are assigned to me, I also write on my own time. I do mainly read graphic novels on my free time, I love to read psychological, romance, horror, and thriller books. Out of many quotes that I stand by, one that came to mind would be “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I embody this quote mainly because in any circumstance that has occurred in my life, I can never fully recollect the impression of what happened but I can remember how that situation impacted my life. I also want others to remember me because of how I made them feel personally not only because of my actions.
Karriana Phoeun
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | karriana@ariseducation.org
Hello! My name is Karriana Phoeun, my pronouns are she/her, I go to PCTA for cosmetology and I am a youth leader in ARISE. I joined ARISE because I hope to advocate for change, to work towards that, and to learn about different current issues/events and what we can do for them. I believe that speaking out on what you truly think or feel could change and have a positive impact so I want to have a hand in that. I love trying new things, getting to know people, learning new things, and spending time with family and friends. I enjoy playing video games and anything horror related.
Kalena
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | kalena@ariseducation.org
Hello my name is Kalena but everyone can call me Lena , my pronouns are she/her. I attend rini middle college . I joined arise because I hope to understand more about ethnic studies and black history. My word of advice for everyone is to always be yourself and follow your dreams no matter what circumstances.
Khaiya Proeung
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | khaiya@ariseducation.org
Hi, my name is Khaiya Proeung and I am a Khmer-American young woman who attends Cranston High School East. I joined ARISE to explore my passion in activism and self-advocacy. In addition, I also joined a family and learned lessons that I use in every aspect of my life. Without ARISE, I would not have been able to find my passion for self-care and mental health.
Leah Bae
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | leah@ariseducation.org
Hi, my name is Leah Bae, my pronouns are she/her/hers, and I go to Barrington High School. I enjoy playing violin, math, writing, and reading. I joined ARISE because I’m looking to make an impact in my community and to learn more about the world and myself in the process. I hope that by joining this organization, I can educate myself and others as well as connect with other students of color I can relate to.
Maggrey Volcimus
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | maggrey@ariseducation.org
Hello My name is Maggrey , My pronouns are She/Her, I Currently attend Providence Career Technical Academy. I joined this program because I was recommended to it at first and I was slightly hesitant but as I started getting more involved and seeing that this space is a very eye opening ;Warm-welcoming space. My main reason was to be able to help my community and educate myself on situations that are happening not only in my state but all over the world. I hope to strengthen many skills that I lack in such as public speaking, communication, and etc. I love to be outdoors a lot and discover so many new things and meet new people. I enjoy dancing with my CCMB crew for Parties, ceremonies, church events, etc. I also enjoy making people smile, laugh, and give them a couple of seconds to forget their problems as this is very nice and heartwarming to see. This serves as a reminder that I’m able to spread joy that everyone needs once in a while.
Malachi Williams
Youth Leader | he/him/his | malachi@ariseducation.org
Hello, my name is Malachi Williams, and I go to Classical Highschool. I am a youth leader in ARISE.” I joined ARISE because it seemed like an excellent opportunity to get experience and add to my resume. I hope to gather lots of information about different subjects and matters to come. In my free time, I like to draw, play games, watch/read anime/manga and listen to music. A quote I enjoy is, "People often claim to hunger for truth, but seldom like the taste when it's served up." (George Martin)
masiah
Youth Leader | he/him/his | michael@ariseducation.org
Hello, my name is Masiah, and I attend Rocky Hill Country day school. I am a youth leader in Arise . I joined Arise because I wanted to be a part of a community that supported me and helped me. I hoped to make friends and be able to give presentations and get better at public speaking. I love sports like volleyball and I am very social.
Michael
Youth Leader | he/him/his | michael@ariseducation.org
Hello my name is Michael my pronouns are he,him,his. I am attending PCTA. I joined ARISE when I heard we were learning about Ethnic Studies. I hope to learn more about other people's true history. I play basketball and I'm learning how to cook slowly.
Mildred
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | mildred@ariseducation.org
Hello my name is Mildred, my pronouns are she/her, I go to 360 High School. I am a youth leader in ARISE. I joined ARISE because I want to learn new skills and bring new opportunities that are going to help me in the future. I hope to be able to build a new and better community. I’m from Guatemala. Im a very fun and nice person that enjoys painting, reading, and loves cats! Im hoping to go to college to study law and become a Immigration lawyer in order to help people.
Naomi Felix
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | naomi@ariseducation.org
Hello, my name is Naomi Felix and I am a youth leader at ARISE. I'm 16 years old and I attend Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA.) I'm a very curious, creative, and diverse person. One of the reasons I joined ARISE is to become more aware of what was happening in the world and learn how I can contribute to my community. I want to create change for the injustices in the school system and also educate others because I didn't know many of the things going on in my community until I joined ARISE. I am sure many of my peers probably don't know either. I think awareness is very important and crucial to create change. One of my core beliefs is that you can do anything only if you truly believe you can and that it's possible if you set your mind to it. My Personal hobbies and interests include playing instruments such as piano and guitar and a love for science and engineering.
Nhi Nguyen
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | nhi@ariseducation.org
Hey! My name is Nhi Nguyen (she/her/hers) and I’m a senior at Dover High School, Dover, New Hampshire. I'm also half Vietnamese and half Indo-Chinese. I joined ARISE because it gives me a great opportunity to learn how to facilitate, lead, and more about social justice. I also like to read, run, and listen to BTS,SZA, and Blackpink. Other than that I'm hoping to learn more about myself this year and build new connections with people :)
Sarah
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | nhi@ariseducation.org
Hey yall, my name is Sarah. My pronouns are she/her, and I go to Cranston West. I joined ARISE because it looked fun to be in with all these diverse people I will get to hang out with. I hope to help make some changes within our community and then soon all around the nation. I like to learn, especially languages, so I want some career in that and to travel abroad. “Be A Thug About It!” - Dashie
Sarina
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | sarina@ariseducation.org
Hello!! My name is Sarina and I’m Hmong American. I currently attend Paul Cuffee High School. I enjoy listening to music and playing different sorts of video games. In ARISE, I’m excited to learn about others and grow more as individual.
Semaj Lucas
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | semaj@ariseducation.org
Hello my name is Semaj Lucas, I go to Central High School. I joined ARISE because I wanted to be more educated and associated in social and educational justice. I hope to bring new opportunities for myself and for others in ARISE. Some fun facts about me are that I love telling jokes, I enjoy playing video games, my favorite genre of movies is horror and I love animals! What I'm planning to go to college for is to become a veterinarian.
Sila Yang
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | sila@ariseducation.org
First name is pronounced “Sheila”, I’m a Hmong-American. self-certified cult leader, and current Black Jack [manga] enthusiast. I’m part of Pilgrim High School’s drama club and currently a sophomore. Other than Black Jack, I enjoy baking and expanding my interest in art. I’ve been part of the ARISE space for around a year now and I feel heard in this space, and I’m certain I’ll continue to enjoy being a Youth Leader.
Interested in applying?
Captions (left to right):
1). Brian competing in the papaya salad eating contest at PrYSM-ARISE's Southeast Asian New Year Youth Celebration
2). Francois making a stencil of a butterfly at the PrYSM-ARISE Campaign Art Workshop
3). Patrick, Aaron, and Serrina explaining their school design at the PrYSM-ARISE Educational Justice Retreat
4). Visiting the Resilient Roots community farm in Camden during the Grassroots Asians Rising youth conference
5). ARISE Youth Leaders meeting activist and prison abolitionist Cece McDonald after the screening of her documentary, Free Cece!
6). Building projection in Philadelphia by Asian American community activists at the Grassroots Asians Rising youth conference
7). ARISE Youth Leaders at our annual Amplifying Student Voice and Leadership dinner
8). ARISE Youth Leaders Symone, Brian, and Renina
9). ARISE and PrYSM Youth Leaders participating in a school build workshop with the Center for Youth and Community Leadership in Education (CYCLE) at the PrYSM-ARISE Educational Justice Retreat
10). ARISE and PrYSM Youth Leaders at the Youth Leadership Institute in Massachusetts
11). Ger and Deijah at the Washington D.C. March for Our Lives with a poster made by Mealaktey
12). ARISE and PrYSM Youth Leaders at the PrYSM-ARISE Campaign Planning Retreat
13). Brian and Nick at the Amplifying Student Voice and Leadership School Visits
14). ARISE and PrYSM Youth Leaders facilitating a workshop at the Youth Leadership Institute in Massachusetts
15). Youth organizers from across the country at the Grassroots Asians Rising youth conference in Philadelphia
16). Destiny and Nancy posing a question to Providence city council candidates at the Providence Housing Crisis: City Council Candidate Forum.
Youth Leader Alumni
Much love and gratitude to our graduated Youth Leaders, who remain part of ARISE’s community as alumni!
Evelyn Martinez
Youth Leader Alumn | she/her/hers | evelyn@ariseducation.org
I am 14 and a freshman at The Met East Bay School. I was born in Providence and my family is Latin. I love spending quality time with them. I overcame many challenges in my life. This is my first year in ARISE and it is an amazing opportunity.
Fatima Anne
Youth Leader Alumn | she/her/hers | fatima@ariseducation.org
Hi, I’m Fatima Anne! I’m a Senegalese - American from Woonsocket. I’m currently a Senior at Woonsocket High School. I first joined ARISE in October of 2019 and loved it so much that I went on to become a Youth Leader. At a school that is comprised of faculty and staff that are predominantly white, I continue to fight for the rights of students of color at my school. I was inspired to do this after being mistreated by multiple staff members because of my religion and my skin color.
Ger Lee
Youth Leader Alumn | he/him/his | ger@ariseducation.org
Hi, my name is Ger but you can call me Jay.
I'm tired of seeing this world rot, the rich living their best life knowing that this world is coming to an end, while the middle and lower class are slowly dying. Young kids like us are being left with that world to take care of. As a youth leader, I'm willing to take steps out of my comfort zone to make a change in the world because we are the present and the future. When I leave the face of this earth I'm going to make sure I had a huge impact on those around me. I want to be the reason why others keep persevering, that's why the work we are doing is so important. I believe that advocating for youths who don't have a voice is very important. Not only that, but I want to help strengthen voices for those who are afraid to speak up because I learned that if you don't speak up for yourself who will?
Jeny Daniels
Youth Leader Alumn | she/her/hers | jeny@ariseducation.org
Hi! I’m Jeny Daniels. My pronouns are She/Her/Hers. I’m in the graduating class of 2022 at Cranston High School East. I’m Cambodian and African-American. If I’m not at ARISE during YL meetings, I participate in the theater program at my school, student council, and class council. I'm a violinist at my school orchestra and actively do track and field. I have an older brother, an older sister and two younger brothers. Being a middle child is not the easiest. I have the responsibility of undoing the negative things my older siblings did and setting an example for my younger siblings. I strive to be the best leader that I can and I learn from the people who are helping me. I believe age doesn’t matter when we are learning and teaching. I’ve been a part of many groups and communities, none of them has made me feel what ARISE makes me feel. We are like a family of our own. I feel comfortable to be myself and tell them things that I would otherwise keep to myself.
Krisnu Chuon
Youth Leader Alumn | krisnu@ariseducation.org
Hi~
My name is Krisnu Chuon. I'm Khmer, Thai, and Chinese. Currently, I’m a senior at Cranston High School East. I enjoy playing card games and listening to music. I’m aware that families of minorities, such as my own, are oppressed and deprived of opportunities to grow and thrive in their lives. I joined ARISE to change that. Here's a virtual hug to make your life a little more snug.
Masiah Prak P
Youth Leader Alumn | he/him/his | masiah@ariseducation.org
Hi, my name is Masiah Prak Preater. I'm one of the newest recruits to the youth leaders’ program. I am Cambodian and Black and I’m an eighth-grader at Community Prep. I want to know more about things that are happening in my community and more about myself. Besides trying to fight for social justice, I enjoy playing sports like volleyball and football. I play video games as well. I am looking forward to building memories with the youth leaders and everything that comes along with it.
OLi Ogueri
Youth Leader Alumn | he/him/his | oli@ariseducation.org
Hi, my name is Oli and I’m an African-American. I live in Providence. I’m the son of two immigrants from Africa. In the fall of 2020, I will be going into my 8th-grade year. I found ARISE through family and ever since Hidden Lotus I’ve loved it. I think it’s a good way to find intelligent people you’re able to have a conversation with and learn from. You’re also able to learn a lot of things about the world that school doesn’t teach you. I think with ARISE, I will be able to grow exponentially as a person and in knowledge, and I encourage people to try our programs.
Rachel Santos
Youth Leader Alumn | she/her/hers | rachel@ariseducation.org
Hi! My name is Rachel Santos! I am a 15-year-old who is Dominican American and currently a freshman at Classical High School. I love fashion, food, and comedy movies. ARISE provided a safe space for me to learn, grow, and appreciate myself and others.
Sarina yang
Youth Leader Alumn | she/her/hers | sarina@ariseducation.org
Hello! I’m Sarina, a Hmong American who attends Paul Cuffee High School. I enjoy listening to music and playing different sorts of video games. In ARISE, I’m looking forward to meeting different people and learning new things about myself and others to grow more as a person!
Savannah Wright
Alumn | she/her/hers | savannah@ariseducation.org
I am a 13-year-old girl who sees big things for herself and has lots of goals that I plan on accomplishing in the future. I'm the kind of person who likes to get to know people and also is ready to try new things. I like to do gymnastics, cheerleading, volleyball, and basketball. I plan on owning my own business for cheerleading and gymnastics one day.
Amy Yang
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | amy@ariseducation.org
Hi, I’m Amy. I am a Hmong American who is currently attending Paul Cuffee High School. I love food and watching TV shows. I enjoy listening to music and talking with my friends. I'm looking forward to meeting new people and learning their stories.
Akyla Proeung
Youth Leader Alumn | she/her/hers | akyla@ariseducation.org
Hey! I’m Akyla Proeung, I am a young Cambodian girl, seventeen years old, going into my junior year at Cranston High School East. Born and raised in Providence, RI. I love to travel, be creative, and learn about science. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. I am a very competitive person who likes to be challenged. I have been apart of ARISE summer programs since the first summer, and it has taught me a lot about myself and my history.
Cesar Morel
Youth Leader Alumn | he/him/his | cesar@ariseducation.org
Hi, I am Cesar and I’m a youth leader at ARISE. I go to a high school called School One and I’m a Junior. I wanted to join ARISE because it’s all about social justice and creating awareness. ARISE’s space reminds me of my school’s committee called Open Minds. When I first joined ARISE, I automatically felt connected to what the youth leaders said and how they all treated each other like family. ARISE is more like a community than an organization.
Daliza Reinoso
Youth Leader Alumn | she/her/hers | daliza@ariseducation.org
Hi!! My name is Daliza Reinoso, I am a seventeen year old very proud of my Dominican descent. I am currently a senior at Woonsocket High School. I have been part of a multitude of after-school programs since I started high school, mainly in an attempt to find one I really enjoy. Fortunately, I joined ARISE earlier this year and instantly became inspired by the social/community-based work as well as the dedication of the youth leaders, leading me to where I am now! My hobbies include finding different types of music, playing the bass and the keyboard, skateboarding, and trying to beat my dad in chess. In the future, I hope to see change in the system that marginalizes BIPOC and lower classes. For this reason, I will continue to strive and use my voice for what I believe is just.
Dayanara Felix Monanci
Youth Leader | she/her/hers | dayanara@ariseducation.org
Hello, My name is Dayanara Felix (Day.) I’m a Dominican American recognized as an Afro-Latina, born and raised in Providence and currently attending Highlander Charter School. I sing in my church and do pantomime. One of my biggest inspirations is my mom and music. I am very outgoing and always willing to learn and engage with others. I have always been passionate about the social injustices happening in my community and around the world against people of color. I am also very passionate about the colorism and Anti-blackness going on in the Hispanic community because I am an Afro-Latina. I want to make a change against any type of inequality in my community which is why I joined ARISE.
